Los Pleneros de la 21 // LP21

~ NYC’s Bomba and Plena Ambassadors to the World ~

Founded in 1983 by National Heritage Fellow, Juan Gutiérrez, LOS PLENEROS DE LA 21 (LP21) is
an East Harlem traditional performing music group and nonprofit organization created to foster
awareness & appreciation of Bomba and Plena, two Puerto Rican cultural expressions. The music
ensemble, comprised of an intergenerational group of top musicians, performers and arts educators,
have since inception toured to over 200 cities worldwide, bringing Bomba and Plena to tens of
thousands of people from all walks of life.

The unique LP21 sound combines the raw percussion elements of Bomba and Plena music with
contemporary and urban genres like Jazz, Salsa, Son, and even Hip Hop, creates an infectious
rhythm and the highest caliber of musical creativity. For LP21 musical styles, dynamic and highly
engaging performance style, has brought the group countless critical acclaim and accolades,
including a Grammy Nomination for their Para Todos Ustedes album (Smithsonian Folkways), and a
National Endowment Fellow Award.

Los Pleneros de la 21, have for over 3 decades crossed numerous boundaries and have broken
several performing barriers for Traditional music and the Latino genres alike; having been the first
and only Bomba and Plena ensemble to have toured in the former USSR, the first Bomba and Plena
troupe to showcase their sounds at Carnegie Hall, and having brought their infectious music to
countries and cities such as Australia, Germany, Canada, Cuba and Thailand.

For their efforts, accomplishments and their cemented dedication to community work, the LP21
familia are regarded by many as mentors, have fostered the passion and talents of future
generations of cultural leaders of Puerto Rican art forms; and for thier international footprint, Los
Pleneros de la 21 are regarded as the Bomba and Plena Ambassadors to the World.

The LP21 familia of musicians include:

Juan Gutierrez // Camilo Molina Gaetan // Julia Gutierrez-Rivera // Nelson Matthew Gonzalez //
Nicholas Laboy // Zaccai Curtis // Alex Apolo Ayala // Ivan Renta // Hommy Ramos // Flaco Navaja //
Karenly Nieves // Jainardo Batista // Gabo Lugo

SHORTER:
Founded in 1983, the intergenerational ensemble of Los Pleneros de la 21 creates infectious sounds
combining raw percussion elements of Puerto Rican Bomba & Plena genres with contemporary and
urban styles, like son, salsa, jazz and hip hop. In their 30+ years, the group has toured
internationally to 200+ cities, have received a Grammy Nomination among numerous critical acclaim
and are regarded as NYC’s Bomba and Plena Ambassadors to the World.